Lincoln Park UMC in Reading will celebrate its birth into ministry 75 years ago, along with Pentecost Sunday‘s birth of the Christian Church, during worship on  May 23, at 10 AM. May 23 is also UM Heritage Sunday. 

With most members vaccinated and the church reopened according to CDC guidelines, the congregation will gather onsite and online. They will welcome Bishop Peggy Johnson as their guest preacher. The Revs. Evelyn Clark, South District Superintendent, and Dawn Taylor-Storm, Conference Connectional Ministries Director, will join her and other guests.  

The church’s Missions Committee will present a check for $10,500 to the bishop as the fruits of its year-long anniversary fundraising effort to provide 14 wells and clean water to countries around the world.

“We have a great story to share about several interesting projects we are completing as part of this anniversary,” said the Rev. Christopher Kurien, pastor, “like the Well Project in Africa that will help many villages and hundreds of people with fresh water.” A replica of a well was created and placed in the sanctuary last year to inaugurate the project.

Children and youth are contributing to another missions initiative to help at least 10 children with cleft palates. In addition, gifts will be given to UMCOR for international COVID-19 relief and to the Eastern PA Conference’s support for the Congo Partnership.

Members will be given an anniversary booklet during the celebration. The Anniversary Committee hopes to have a grand finale celebration of the church’s 75th year in September, when more participants may be able to gather in person including longtime members.

Learn more… View the anniversary worship service livestreamed on Lincoln Park UMC’s Facebook page.